LET’S TY ONE ON!
‘Emotional’ Quins spark party in France as they grab semi and vow: There’s more in us
By
WILL PORTER made sure Quins’ gamble of leaving out Danny Care paid off big time as the Londoners savoured arguably their greatest European win.
The scrum-half was outstanding and grabbed a brace of tries in an incredible and thrilling contest in red-hot South West France.
Porter and his team-mates rose to the big occasion to shock hosts Bordeaux and reach the Champions Cup semi-finals.
Harlequins rugby director Billy Millard said: “I am just so proud of them, not surprised, because I know the capability of the group. It was quite emotional for us.”
Quins captain Stephan Lewies added: “The job is not done yet. There is more in us, and we will keep going. A few beers now!”
Quins showed real grit, skill and belief to come out on top of a
12-try jamboree and will next face the winners of Toulouse v
Exeter today.
Tyrone Green’s late try converted by Marcus Smith proved decisive in the end with
Maxime Lucu missing a conversion three minutes from time which would have won it for Bordeaux.
Quins shrugged off losing Joe Launchbury, who failed a late fitness test, and stunned the hosts by taking a 28-12 half-time lead after four fine tries, with first blood going to Porter.
But when scrum-half Lucu dived over a ruck on the left close to the Quins line for the hosts’
opening try the atmosphere changed. Quins’ claims that Porter was illegally cleared from the ruck were rejected after a review.
Full-back Romain Buros managed to just touch the ball down for his side’s second. There was some doubt about that one too, as Green looked to have stopped him short.
Quins regrouped and a superb breakaway saw Alex Dombrandt feed Porter who caught his own chip-through to force his way over. And when flanker Will Evans (left) crashed over for the fourth try on the stroke of half-time Quins were flying.
But it was the French side who came out on fire in the second half and young centre
Nicolas Depoortere raced over for a try. Lucu’s penalty closed the gap to six points but again Quins responded with Alex Dombrandt rising to claim the try after the pack drove over the line.
Madosh Tambwe’s try and Lucu’s conversion put the hosts ahead for the first time with 14 minutes remaining. But Green put Quins up again and they kept their noses in front until the whistle when the Londoners slumped to their knees exhausted – but victorious. BORDEAUX: Tries: Lucu, Buros, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey, Tambwe (2);
Pen: Lucu; Cons: Lucu (4) HARLEQUINS: Tries: Porter (2), Evans, Dombrandt, Green, Penalty; Cons: Smith (5)